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Author Topic: 3.5mm Jack Adapter Board for 3 Terminal Iambic Key?  (Read 326 times)

KB1NO

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3.5mm Jack Adapter Board for 3 Terminal Iambic Key?
« on: January 01, 2022, 07:51:19 PM »

I have seen a photo of an adapter PCB somewhere, but I can't seem to find a reference to it.   Does anyone have an idea where to get something similar?   It would be more convenient vs connecting wires to binding posts.   Though the spacing between binding posts on various keys does vary.

Thanks and HNY,
John, KB1NO
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W0CKI

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Re: 3.5mm Jack Adapter Board for 3 Terminal Iambic Key?
« Reply #1 on: January 01, 2022, 08:16:44 PM »

Look under reviews for keys and paddles. Find cabletidy or G3liv.co.uk. I’m going to order one for myself .
GL Gary W0CKI
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KB1NO

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Re: 3.5mm Jack Adapter Board for 3 Terminal Iambic Key?
« Reply #2 on: January 01, 2022, 10:45:34 PM »

Thank you!
73,
John, KB1NO
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W9AC

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Re: 3.5mm Jack Adapter Board for 3 Terminal Iambic Key?
« Reply #3 on: January 02, 2022, 05:44:09 AM »

John,

For what key/paddle are you needing the adapter board?

Paul, W9AC
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KB1NO

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Re: 3.5mm Jack Adapter Board for 3 Terminal Iambic Key?
« Reply #4 on: January 02, 2022, 07:09:21 AM »

Two different Iambic keys: Vibroplex Iambic Deluxe and Magnakeyer.  It looks like G3LIV has a universal one that accommodates a range of spacings.  He uses a DIN connector on his board, not a 3.5mm.  Though I don't see a way to order through his website or even contact him.
The idea was to make it easier to swap keys without changing the cable.
My other option is a short pigtail with a female 3.5mm jack. 
Thanks,
John, KB1NO


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W9AC

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Re: 3.5mm Jack Adapter Board for 3 Terminal Iambic Key?
« Reply #5 on: January 02, 2022, 07:54:58 AM »

John,

Near the bottom of my QRZ page are wiring adapters I recently created for my Brown Brothers and HamKey iambic paddles.  I can create a similar adapter for the Vibroplex Iambic but I would need the following information:

1) Exact center-to-center distance between the binding posts;
2) Exact diameter of the binding post threads;
3) Confirmation that the "dah" binding post is on the same side as the "dah" lever. 

Measurements are best done with a caliper if you have one.  The completed board file would be uploaded to OshPark where you (and others) can simply order the board direct from the vendor.  Typically, you get three boards for about USD $8.00.  The 3.5mm jack solders onto the board and is ordered from Mouser.  I have nothing to sell; it's simply a courtesy exercise. 

Anyway, if you have an interest let me know.  It would only take me about 30 minutes to complete and post the design. 

Paul, W9AC

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KB1NO

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Re: 3.5mm Jack Adapter Board for 3 Terminal Iambic Key?
« Reply #6 on: January 02, 2022, 03:34:21 PM »

Thank you Paul,
Sounds great and it's very kind of you to offer.   
Vibroplex Iambic.  Interesting result- hand crafted?
c/c  Dah (right) Side 0.8055"    Dit Side 0.8255"  I measured it three times with different calipers.     
Binding posts are 8-32   0.1625 od.
Dah is on the same (right) side as the dah paddle. 
Maybe just make the holes oversize?

You didn't mention the Magnakeyer.   I don't mean to look a gift horse in the mouth, but I measured it anyway.
Spacing is even both sides-- 1.25" c/c
Binding posts are  6-32  0.135" od
Dah is on the same side as the dah paddle
There is a constraint front to back.  From the center line of the binding post screws to the bearing structure is 0.300"   

Thanks again,
John, KB1NO

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W9AC

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Re: 3.5mm Jack Adapter Board for 3 Terminal Iambic Key?
« Reply #7 on: January 02, 2022, 05:16:13 PM »

John, I can also design an adapter for the MagnaKeyer, but I'll need a very clear top-down image to reasonably gauge clearances. 

For now, have a look at the virtual reality 3D images of a Vibroplex Iambic adapter I just created.  It's at the very bottom of my QRZ page, accessed through the link below: 

www.w9ac.com

Two images are attached, one of the top and the other is of the bottom.  Notice that the 3.5mm jack is on the right, adjacent to the dah binding post.  While I could make it come out the center in the form of a slightly triangular PC board, it adds unnecessary depth to the overall paddle and can expose the jack to damage.  Have a look at a similar layout I did for a HamKey paddle.  Scroll up from the bottom to view it. 

I oversized each binding post pad to 0.170-inch.  Frankly, I am surprised that the distances of the outer binding posts to the center post isn't equal.  That's quite a drilling variance.  The final version may elongate the holes into ovals in order to accommodate the excessive drilling variance for other key owners.

Let me know if this design works for you. 

Paul, W9AC
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KB1NO

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Re: 3.5mm Jack Adapter Board for 3 Terminal Iambic Key?
« Reply #8 on: January 02, 2022, 07:02:32 PM »

Paul,
The Vibroplex design looks good.    I sent an email to your K9AC  ARRL address with the photos you requested.
Thanks once again,
John, KB1NO
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W9AC

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Re: 3.5mm Jack Adapter Board for 3 Terminal Iambic Key?
« Reply #9 on: January 02, 2022, 08:52:33 PM »

The PC Board order links are now posted and shared at OshPark.  The first link is to an adapter board with the 3.5 mm jack at the front-right of the paddle.  Choose either style board; they are functionally the same.  Purchases are direct to OshPark. I have nothing to sell, nor do I get a financial kickback from OshPark. 

https://oshpark.com/shared_projects/umr4L5BR

The link below is to a version with the 3.5 mm jack at the front center. 

https://oshpark.com/shared_projects/rscFO7Ur

Here's a link to the 3.5mm jack on the Mouser website:

https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/CUI-Devices/SJ1-3533NG?qs=WyjlAZoYn53GjNky%252BNFGCA%3D%3D

Paul, W9AC
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KB1NO

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Re: 3.5mm Jack Adapter Board for 3 Terminal Iambic Key?
« Reply #10 on: January 04, 2022, 05:04:46 PM »

Thanks again Paul,
I've ordered one PCB for each key and one of your QSK boards as well.
I really appreciate your help with this.
73,
John, KB1NO
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